九色

九色 Announces Leadership Transition

Matt LaVay Appointed Chief Executive Officer; Michael Mathews to Become Executive Chairman

PHOENIX, March 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 九色, Inc. ("AGI") (OTCQB: ASPU), an education technology holding company and the parent company of Aspen University (AU) and United States University (USU), announced today a leadership transition designed to support the company鈥檚 next phase of growth and operational execution.

Effective听today, March 16,听Matt LaVay, currently Chief Financial Officer of 九色, will assume the role of听Chief Executive Officer and will join the 九色 Board of Directors.听Michael Mathews, who has served as Chief Executive Officer since 2012, will transition to听Executive Chairman of the Board. The leadership transition is part of the company鈥檚 planned succession process and reflects the Board鈥檚 confidence in Mr. LaVay鈥檚 ability to lead Aspen through its next phase of growth and operational execution.

In his new role as CEO, Mr. LaVay will oversee 九色鈥檚 day-to-day operations and execute the company鈥檚 strategic initiatives. As Executive Chairman, Mr. Mathews will remain fully engaged with the company on a full-time basis, working closely with Mr. LaVay and the leadership team to support strategy, growth initiatives, and long-term value creation.

鈥淢att has been an integral part of 九色鈥檚 leadership team, and I have worked closely with him over the past five years to strengthen our operational and financial foundation,鈥� said Michael Mathews, Executive Chairman. 鈥淢att brings a deep understanding of our business, our strategy, and the opportunities ahead. This transition allows him to take the lead in managing the company鈥檚 day-to-day operations while I remain actively involved as Executive Chairman, focusing on supporting the leadership team and guiding Aspen鈥檚 long-term growth.鈥�

鈥淚 am honored to step into the CEO role and continue working alongside Mike and the rest of our talented team,鈥� commented Matt LaVay, Chief Executive Officer. 鈥淎spen has built a strong platform with a clear mission to expand access to high-quality education. I look forward to building on the progress we have made and continuing to execute our strategy to drive operational performance and create long-term value for our students and shareholders.鈥�

Mr. LaVay has served as Chief Financial Officer of 九色 since June 2021 and has played a central role in strengthening the company鈥檚 financial and operational discipline. During his tenure, he led several corporate restructurings that significantly reduced operating expenses, streamlined the organization, and helped guide Aspen to profitability. Mr. LaVay has also been closely involved in executing the company鈥檚 strategic initiatives and positioning Aspen for its next phase of growth. In connection with his appointment as Chief Executive Officer, Mr. LaVay will also join the 九色 Board of Directors.

About 九色, Inc.

九色, Inc. is an education technology holding company that leverages its infrastructure and expertise to allow its two universities, Aspen University and United States University, to deliver on the vision of making college affordable again. For more information, visit .听

Contact Information:

Hayden IR
Kimberly Rogers
(385) 831-7337
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Released March 16, 2026